Concordia Academy celebrates Ground Breaking ceremony at new site

On 19 July 2017, Concordia Academy in Romford held a special Ground Breaking ceremony to celebrate the start of ground works on their new site on Union Road. To mark the special occasion, children from Concordia buried a special time capsule containing a letter and video message from children, a photo of Concordia’s temporary classroom, a school polo shirt and a copy of the Romford Recorder newspaper.

The Headteacher, Raheel Akhtar and Chair of Governors, Stuart Norman joined children and parents of Concordia Academy to celebrate this special occasion, alongside the Past Havering Mayor, Cllr Philippa Crowder and Raymond Millar, Construction Director of Contractors, The McAvoy Group who hosted the event.

Concordia Academy, the first new free school in Romford Town opened in September 2016 in temporary accommodation, under the sponsorship and guidance of REAch2 Academy Trust. It opened its doors to one class of reception children with a view to offer 90 Reception places in subsequent years when the school moves into its permanent site on Union Road. When all year groups are full, Concordia will cater for 630 local children. The building of a brand new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built school in Romford is now under way.

Raheel Akhtar, Headteacher, Concordia Academy, said:

“The ceremony was a great opportunity to celebrate the start of ground works on the site of our fantastic new building, which we can’t wait to move into. We’re excited to be able to offer a brand new primary school in an area where there is a need for more places and look forward to continuing to work with local partners. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in our journey so far.”

The Past Mayor, Philippa Crowder, said:

“I was very pleased to be invited to help Concordia Academy celebrate the start of ground works on their new site and it’s been great fun to watch the children bury their time capsule. The local community of the Oldchurch Park Estate are excited about the prospect of having a brand new state of the art primary school within walking distance of their homes. Concordia will help contribute towards the additional primary school places which are currently required across Havering.”

Sir Steve Lancashire, CEO of REAch2, said:

“It’s been an exciting first year for Concordia, and today marks the beginning of their journey to opening in their brand new building next September. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Langtons Junior Academy, Hornchurch for all their help and dedication in supporting Concordia Academy whilst in its temporary home. At REAch2, we are committed to providing exceptional opportunities for learning to every child and the new building will play an important role in supporting that and the work between these two schools is also a testament to our commitment.”

“We are delighted to be building this wonderful new school which will provide much needed primary school places for the local community in Romford. We will be using the latest advances in design and off-site construction to create an inspiring environment for teaching and learning, and an outstanding school to help every child realise their highest aspirations.”

Michelle Gamage, a parent at Concordia Academy, said:

“My child has made super progress in all areas since she joined Concordia Academy and I’m delighted with the school.”

Muhib Khan, a parent at Concordia Academy, said:

“The staff are fantastic and my child looks forward to coming to school every day!”